Historic Schoolhouse Water Intrusion Remediated with Care, Compliance & Compassion
Background
STOP Restoration Charlotte North was contacted by a local 501(c)(3) schoolhouse after a water intrusion incident threatened the integrity of its historic structure. As a building with deep community ties and a long-standing legacy, the school required a team who could not only respond quickly, but also perform the work with a deep respect for the building’s age, purpose, and compliance needs.
The school’s leadership understood the urgency of the situation and turned to STOP Restoration for immediate help.
The Challenge
Water damage in a historic building raises unique challenges – not just in terms of structure, but also regulatory compliance, occupant safety, and operational logistics. In this case, the school was still active and occupied by students and staff, requiring careful coordination to minimize disruption while ensuring complete safety.
Because of the age of the building, all impacted materials had to be tested for asbestos before any demolition work could begin, in accordance with OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1926.1101 and 1910.1001). Fortunately, the school had completed asbestos testing just three months prior, which allowed the project to move forward without delay.
Another key constraint: work could only begin after 1:00 PM, once the building was cleared of students and staff.
Our Approach
Our team responded quickly and professionally, mobilizing immediately to assess the situation and stabilize the environment. Here's how we approached the project:
- Containment Setup: We built full containment using 6-mil polyethylene sheeting, isolating all affected areas to prevent cross-contamination during remediation.
- Environmental Control: We established negative air pressure with professional-grade air scrubbers and dehumidifiers, creating a clean and controlled environment.
- Scheduling & Safety: Out of respect for the school’s active operations, we scheduled all work after 1:00 PM, ensuring that students and staff remained safe and uninvolved in the workspace.
- Targeted Remediation: Our team professionally removed damaged materials in multiple rooms, and remediated a small area of microbial growth discovered in one of the affected spaces.
The project was completed ahead of schedule, giving staff and leadership confidence that their historic building was not only remediated – but cared for.
Outcome
Our team’s ability to work quickly, compliantly, and respectfully helped restore the schoolhouse without delay or disruption. The school’s leadership and staff were deeply appreciative – not just for the workmanship, but for the care, professionalism, and heart with which the project was carried out.
Following the project, the school’s representative left the following public review:
"We are incredibly grateful for the team at STOP Restoration North Charlotte. When our historic schoolhouse faced an urgent need they stepped in with a level of compassion and expertise that is rare to find.
"From the very first assessment, Jason was thorough, professional, and took the time to investigate the source, and explain the remediation process in a way that gave us complete peace of mind. The owner, John, was personally involved throughout, ensuring every detail was handled with integrity. Their communication was outstanding – they were always accessible, amiable, and genuinely understood the unique needs of a school environment.
"They stepped in quickly during a high-stress situation, handling the remediation with total transparency, treating our building with the utmost care, and they even completed the job sooner than anticipated. What truly stands out about this company is their mission-driven approach. It’s clear they don't just see a project; they see a community they want to protect. If you are looking for a restoration team that combines high-quality workmanship with a true heart for service, I highly recommend John, and his entire crew. They played a vital role in keeping our students and teachers safe, and we couldn't be more thankful!"
– Charis M
.
Conclusion
This project stands as a powerful example of how STOP Restoration Charlotte North approaches each project with precision, professionalism, and purpose. Especially in historic or community-focused environments, remediation isn’t just about materials – it’s about mission. We’re proud to have played a role in preserving this schoolhouse for future generations, while ensuring a safe and compliant outcome for everyone involved
